From Sandra: Suggestion for a word to replace “consumer”
Jul 26 2006 | Comments 0
I don’t define my health status by whether or not I’m seeing someone about it (although I am, and in context in the hospital I have no problem saying patient). But context is the whole thing. In identifying myself to someone new I say I have bipolar disorder. Specific and only stigmatizing as far as the word bipolar has been misunderstood. Admittedly a lot.
Saying I have any diagnosis is controversial to a few extremists who deny mental illness, and although I’m not supportive of that idea I do have to talk to them, and write about shared ground with diplomatic language.
A new word? The best neutral word I use in professional talk also works socially – stakeholder. Like it?
liz | 4:23 PM | Uncategorized
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